Deer leaps through truck windshield, causing crash


It could’ve been much worse, state Trooper Steve Limani said.


A deer leaped from a hillside this morning and crashed through the windshield of a UPS truck at Route 30 in Greensburg. As the animal thrashed about in the cab, the driver, identified as Justin Kubecki, lost control and crossed from the eastbound lanes to the westbound side. The truck rolled onto its side.


Mr. Kubecki, 29, of Greensburg, was disoriented but not seriously injured. He was taken by helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital as a precaution. No one else was hurt.


“I’ve had crashes where deer go through windshields and people don’t survive,” Trooper Limani said. “This had the potential for him to hit other vehicles.”


The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. as Mr. Kubecki drove the midsized truck from East Pittsburgh Street to the eastbound Route 30 on-ramp, he said.


This is the time of year when deer-vehicle crashes rise significantly, and Trooper Limani recommended extra caution. The most important rule, he said: “Don’t swerve. Use your brakes. That’s it.” 
By Jon Schmitz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette